"Claire has been my absolute rock throughout the course – she’s answered many questions that I’ve had and eased any worries too by simply telling me that I am over-thinking and that I am capable. She’s a brilliant lady who I’m so thankful to be connected to due to enrolling on this course!
I feel as though I have gained shedloads of confidence in myself and my abilities to provide great Forest School sessions. I feel as though outdoor teaching is something which comes naturally to me. I am always so calm and relaxed when in the forest, it really is a therapeutic place! I have demonstrated great problem-solving and entrepreneur skills.
Claire has been quick in marking/giving feedback on what changes to make. This has certainly been appreciated throughout the course.
During this course, I have found the training very easy to access. Each assignment has been explained fully by Claire therefore I have not had any confusion throughout. I have found that having a WhatsApp group has been beneficial too, as I have been able to ask my peers questions, see where they are up to and so on."
Jodie Crook
"This journey has not just been about learning how to support children. It has been transformational for me personally. Through my training and Forest School sessions, I’ve realised how calming, grounding, and healing nature is. Being outdoors has supported my own wellbeing, and that insight has deepened my understanding of the profound impact nature can have on children.
In essence, play in Forest School is not just fun—it is a powerful tool for supporting emotional, physical, social, and cognitive development, all rooted in nature.
Another factor is physical comfort. With the right outdoor clothing and gradual exposure, many of these children slowly let their guard down. As they began to feel more secure and warm, their behaviour changed—they started to enjoy the sensory experiences, like feeling mud or rain, and began to find joy in what they once resisted."
Rebecca Molyneux
"When I began my Forest School journey, I came from a background as a Level 2 Teaching Assistant, working in a classroom setting with no previous Forest School experience, just a genuine love for the outdoors and a strong desire to support children’s learning in a more natural, free environment. I was drawn to the idea of children learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences, surrounded by nature. The Forest School training has been a big personal journey for me. I’ve developed not only new practical skills like using tools, fire safety, and outdoor risk assessment, but also a much deeper understanding of child-led learning, emotional development, and the importance of stepping back to let children take the lead. It's helped me grow in confidence as a leader, and I’ve learnt how to tune into each child’s needs, interests, and potential. What I didn’t expect was how much of this learning would also influence my own home life. As a mum of three boys, I’ve started using Forest School approaches at home to encouraging more outdoor play, letting them take more risks, and trusting them to problem-solve and explore in their own way. This journey has shaped me as a practitioner, a parent, and a person, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come."
Leeanne Frost